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Migration has always been a part of humanity’s lived reality, and it has divided people into colonists and colonized, settlers and refugees, locals and foreigners. As the world’s population is growing steadily, so is the number of migrants, which has lead to increasing concerns among both the countries of origin and the receiving countries.

In recent decades, the world has experienced a feminization of migration, with female migrants now making up nearly half of all people “on the move”, many of them independently. As if the conditions for displaced persons were not precarious enough, women migrants often face particular dangers: they are more vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence and frequently fall victim to human trafficking, they are ill-equipped to deal with reproductive and maternal health problems while travelling, and in the countries of arrival they often face double discrimination by the local population.

Migration has become a feminist issue and a global issue, but moreover, it is a global reality. Gender Across Borders would like to hear voices from all over the world who examine the following questions: How does migration affect your region? And, most importantly, which particular issues concern the women; the ones abroad, the ones in motion, and the ones who are left behind?

Is your region affected by a brain drain of educated women? What does it mean to be an illegalized immigrant and a woman? How are female migrants received in your nation? What is your own personal story? If you would like to contribute to our series with a theme-related article, essay, review or art work, please submit your piece along with a résumé/CV or short summary of interests and experience to Henrike at henrike@genderacrossborders.com by April 10, 2012.

Articles should be between 300 – 1500 words in length and should include relevant links (no footnotes) that provide additional information and an image to run with the entry. No prior experience with blogging or professional writing is necessary, however please familiarize yourself with the Gender Across Borders website. Anyone with an interest in feminism, human rights, gender, and development is welcome to contribute. For more information on how to apply, please read the guidelines for submissions.

Please note that this is a volunteer-based site so you cannot be compensated for your submission.

The series will run on April 18, so be sure to be available by email one week prior to the event to participate in the editing and uploading process. If you have further questions, please contact Henrike at henrike@genderacrossborders.com.